BURY'S broken Metrolink escalator will be repaired "in the next few weeks", transport bosses have promised.

The news will come as great relief to passengers who have had to struggle up the stairs for months, or some who have had to get off the tram at Radcliffe. A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive apologised to customers for the delay.

"At over 26 years old and, until recently, in use on an almost constant basis, the escalator broke in early April," he said. "Following various attempts to repair the escalator, the manufacturers informed both Serco (the tram operator) and ourselves that they were unable to guarantee its continued operation due to the age and lack of compatible parts needed.

"Unfortunately, this problem of limited access has been periodically compounded by acts of vandalism resulting in the lift also being out of action."

The spokesman said that when both the escalator and the lift are broken, Serco runs a shuttle bus from Radcliffe to Bury and vice- versa. Messages to this effect are announced on the intercom and by staff.

"However, after carefully considering proposals, it has been decided that a major refurbishment of the escalator will commence.

"In the meantime, I hope all our customers who use Bury Interchange will bear with us just a little longer as we endeavour to bring about a long-term solution to this inconvenience."